Elastic soft structure, and its application to the making of sporting tracks and runs

ABSTRACT

An elastic soft structure for making sporting tracks and ski runs made of elements of flexible material, each of which having two struts from which project uprights evenly spaced out and extending at right angles in relation to said struts, said uprights being held together in pairs by rectangular crossmembers supporting protuberances.

I United States Patent Jacques Leon Alexandre See 47, rue Guersant, l7eme Paris, France [21] Appl. No. 801,480 I [72] lnventor [22] Filed Feb. 24, 1969 [45] Patented Jan. 26, 1971 [32] Priority Feb. 21, 1968 [33] France [31 140,679

[54] ELASTIC SOFT STRUCTURE, AND ITS APPLICATION TO THE MAKING OF SPORTING TRACKS AND RUNS 21 Claims, 10 Drawing Figs.

[52] US. Cl a 94/3 [51] Int. Cl E041 15/00 [50] Field of Search 94/3, 7; 272/565 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,465,653 9/ 1969 Schipper 94/3X Primary Examiner-Jacob L. Nackenoff Attorney-Imirie & Smiley ABSTRACT: An elastic soft structure for making sporting tracks and ski runs made of elements of flexible material, each of which having two struts from which project uprights evenly spaced out and extending at right angles in relation to said struts, said uprights being held together in pairs by rectangular crossmembers supporting protuberances.

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1 ELASTIC sor'rsTsucT-urts; ANDITSLAPPLICAPION To run MAKING or sronrusc TRACKS, AND. RUNS The present invention relates to a structuralelement, and its application in'the' formation of sporting 'tracksandski runs and other similar surfaces.

According to the invention, these elements are. made. up of flexible material eachof which has two struts from which project legs spaced out at regular intervals extending substantially at right angles in relation to said struts, said'legs being held together in pairs by crossmembers having medial projections or protuberances, saidtwo struts being brought nearer to each other so as to bring them into contact, whereby said. uprights are brought into alignment with each other and said crossmembers are bent into an arc of a circle, said struts then being locked together and the elements are assembledin series side by side by partially overlapping them. End; portions of the crossmembers thereuponlie: adjacent the arcuate portions of two adjacentelenients. 7

The process is characterized, furthermore, in that the crossmembers connected by the' legsto each ofthe two struts have,

I substantially midway between their ends, protuberances of substantially ball shape.

Various other characteristics of the invention will, moreover be revealed by the detailed description which follows.

An embodiment of the invention'is shown, by way of nonrestrictive example, in the attached drawings. I i

FIG. 1 is a partial plan view of one of the constituent elemerits of the flexible structure 'of the invention.

FIG. 2 is an elevation seen along the line II-Il of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side elevation seenalong the line Ill-III of FIG. 2. These three FIGS. are shown in their original shape before being bent into shape for assembly into a ski run or track.

FIG. 4 is an elevation, showing the element inits assembled shape. I

FIG. 5 is a side elevation seen along the line V-V of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is side elevation, similar to FIG. 4, showing several elements assembled to form the flexible structure.

FIG. 7 is a plan view corresponding to FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a plan view, showing an alternative embodiment.

FIG. 9 is an elevation similar to that of FIG. 6 but with the elements of the alternative embodiment of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic illustration of a manner of assembling the elements. v

Referring in the first place to FIGS. 1 to 3, we see that each element formingthe structure comprises two parallel struts l and 2 from which there extend equidistant legs 3, 30,31: ..3n and 4, 4a,4b These legs are held together, at their top, by crossmembers 5, 50,5!) ....5n. on which ball-shaped protuberances 6 are formed. These protuberances can be joined to each other or separated by a space as shown. One of the struts, the strut 2 for instance, has hooks 7 at regular spaces which and which are directed downwards as shown in FIG. 2. Rings 8 and 9 are formed integrally with crossmembers 5, 5a,etc., and

cle, the ends thereofbeing connected to the ends of said base members.

By arranging two identical elements of FIG. 4, in such manner shown in their assembly position at A and B in FIGS. 6 and.7, the crossmembers of these successive elements overlap one another, and the rings 9 are made to cover therings 8 by ofl'setting these rings which thenassume a substantially horizontal position. The gussets 10 provided between the legs and'crossmembers prevent the initial angle made by these legs and crossmembers fromv being substantially altered. Seeing that the rings 8 and 9 are superimposed one on the other, it is easy to connect successive elements-between them, for inare preferably placed halfway between the legs 3, 3a,3b 3n,

extend vertically thereof. Each ring 8,9 is spaced equidistantly I from its respective adjacent legs 3, 4. The drawing shows that the rings 8 and 9 are formed on each of the crossmembers 5, 50,511.. 5n,b'ut this isnot necessary, as said rings need to be placed only at certain distances from said crossmembers,

FIG. 2 also showsthat it isadvantageous to join the legs 3 and crossmembers 5 by small gussets 10, so that the elements do not risk breaking at this point. The elements described in the foregoing are preferably made by moulding in synthetic resin and, more particularly, of synthetic resin having good elasticity such as polyamides polycthylenes, etc.

To effect the object intended to form a ski run, the crossmembers 5, 5a,5b 5n are bent by bringingthe struts 1 and 2 closer together and the strut l is inserted in the hooks 7 made as from the strut 2, as shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 4 shows that the deformation thus imparted to the crossmembers 5 brings the legs 3, 4 into a longitudinally aligned position where they form the base of said element, whereas said crossmembers become curved in an arc of a cirstance, by inserting pegs 11 in, said rings as shown by way of example in FIG. 6. Other types of catches can be used, said peg 11 being shown only as one illustrative manner of making the connection.

By placing the elements A and B at regular intervals as described as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, it is possible to cover very considerable surfaces, to form a ski run, the protuberances 6 forming the surface of that run.

By taking care to see that a certain play is maintained between the ball-shaped protuberances 6 of the overlapped elements, we see that each crossmembers 5 can bend slightly in the direction shown by the arrow f in FIG. 7, that is to say, crosswise to its plane before bearing on a following crossmember which can itself also bend. In this manner, we obtain a progressively damping flexibility effect, which is a function of the stress applied crosswisely to the crossmembers 5, 5a,etc. I

If we now consider the direction perpendicular to the arrow f that is to say, the direction shown by the arrow f we see that a stress applied for instance by the square of a ski tends to deform the crossmembers 5 on which this square presses, which causes a damping of the movement at the same time that the ski can skid on the ball-shaped protuberances.

\ In actual practice, the stresses applied by a ski are practically' never applied according to the direction shown by the arrow f. or the arrow fit. but in an intermediate direction so that the two deformations described above are combined.

It results from this that the surface so presented performs in a manner very similar to that of a snow-covered surface so that all the movements connected with skiing may be easily carried out. It will be apparent also, and this is shown by FIGS. 4 as well as 6 that the vertical stresses applied by skis, that is to say, in the direction of the arrow f, tend to make the crossmembers 5 bend, and thus to impart flexibility to the run which obviously makes a very good damper in the event of the skier falling.

In the alternative according to FIGS. 8 and 9, one of the struts, the strut 1 for instance, is always provided with hooks 7 for holding the two struts together and binds the crossmembers 5 in an arc of acircle. The linking rings 8 and 9, however, are eliminated. In their stead, two rows of protuberances 6, the rows 6, and 6, are provided, these being connected by continuous small bars 12 and the rows of contiguous protuberances, namely the rows 6 and 6 comprise spurs 13 and I4 integral with each protuberance. These spurs are made obliquely as shown in FIG. 8 and are preferably of triangular section as shown in FIG. 9. The obliqueness of the spurs and their triangular shape with a top directed towards the crossmembers of acontiguous element, when the latter are engaged between said spurs, greatly facilitates the introducing and locking of the elements together after they have been assembled.

shown in FIG. 9. This method of assembling which is somewhat similar to that of a zip fastening imparts a certain amount of freedom to the assembled elements, said elements being able to have play between them in relation to the others,

as shown by the arrows of FIG. 9, so that said elements easily follow the uneven places on the run on which they are laid.

FIG. shows that the method of assembling the elements of H05. 8 and 9 makes it possible to produce sheets of any extent; as a matter of fact, an element can be easily made connected to four elements a,, (1,, a, and a and elements a, and a acting as a link with an element b which is an extension of the element a,said element b,being able then to be used for positioning elements placed as an extension of elements a, and a, and so on.

lclaim:

l. A device for the assembly of artificial ski runs comprising a flexible element having:

an upwardly extending member in the form of an arc;

base members extending inwardly toward each other from each end of said arc;

a strut member extending angularly from each base member substantially in the plane of said base member;

said strut members being substantially parallel to and in proximity to each other; and

means for locking said strut members together.

2. A device according to claim 1, in which said upwardly extending member has a series of protuberances formed along the uppermost portion of its length.

3. A device according to claim 2, in which said protuberances are substantially in the form of balls.

4. A device according to claim 2, in which said protuberances are spaced from one another.

5. A device according to claim I, in which at least one of said strut members has means for engaging and locking the adjacent strut member.

6. A device according to claim 5, in which said engaging and locking means comprises a hook. I

7. A device according to claim 1, in which said upwardly extending arc member has means disposed on opposite ends of said arc for engaging an adjacent element when assembled therewith to form a ski track.

8. A device according to claim 7, in which said means comprises an eye on each element aligned for the reception of a fastener when assembled.

9. A device according to claim 1, in which said upwardly extending arcuate member and said base members are joined by a gusset at their juncture.

10. An artificial ski track comprising a series of interlocked flexible elements, each element comprising:

an upwardly extending arcuate member;

a base member joined to each end of said arcuate portion;

said base members extending upwardly of said are and towards each other;

a strut member extending angularly outwardly of said are and substantially in the plane of said base members;

said strut members lying substantially parallel and in proximity to each other; and

means for locking said strut members to one another;

said elements being arranged in rows with the elements in one row staggered with relation to the elements of each adjacent row, the element of each row being locked to the adjacent element in said row, with the arcuate portion of the element of one row overlapping portions of the two adjacent elements of the adjacent row, and the strut members of each element of each row lying parallel to the strut members of each element of the next row.

11. An artificial ski track according to claim 10, in which the adjacent elements of each row have means for securing them together.

12. An artificial ski track according to claim 10, in which the upper portion of the arc of each element is provided with protuberances, I

13. An artificial ski track according to claim 12, in which said protuberances comprise balls.

14. An artificial ski track structure comprising a row of interlocked flexible elements:

each element comprising an upwardly extending arcuate rtion;

a base member for each end of said arcuate portion;

said base members extending inwardly of said arcuate portion and towards each other;

a common strut member joining the ends of each base member and extending angularly outwardly of said are and substantially in the plane of said base members;

said strut members lying substantially parallel to one another; and

interlockingmeans on said strut members for locking them together.

15. A track structure according to claim 14, in which said arcuate member is provided with protuberances at the uppermost portion of the arc.

16. A track structure according to claim 14, in which the uppermost portions of the arcs are connected together.

17. A track structure according to claim 15, in which said protuberances are each provided with oppositely which extending, obliquely arranged spurs.

18. An artificial ski track comprising staggered rows of interlocked flexible elements according to claim 14:

the elements of each row being staggered and offset with respect to the elements of each adjacent row;

the arcuate members of each row having protuberances on the uppermost portions of each arc;

the endmost of said protuberances each having oppositely extending, obliquely arranged spurs;

the spurs of the adjacent rows of each element extending towards each other to form a separable snap fastening element; and

an adjacent portion of the arcuate member of an adjacent staggered row being snapped between said spurs to lock them together.

19. A device for the assembly of artificial ski runs comprisa flexible frame element having at least one longitudinal member adapted to be bent into the form of an arc;

a base member extending angularly from each end of said longitudinal member, said base members being substantially parallel to each other and adapted to be bent towards each other to form a base for said arc;

a strut member extending angularly outwardly from the end of each base member in substantially parallel relation to each other, and connecting the base members at each end of said frame;

said strut members being brought into proximity to each a other when said base members are bent into position with respect to said arc; and

means to lock said strut members together.

20. A device according to claim 19 in which said longitudinal member has protuberances formed on the central portion thereof.

21. A device for the assembly of artificial ski runs comprismg:

a flexible gridlike frame element having a series of parallel tracks forming bars adapted to be bent into the form of an arc;

an arm extending angularly and in parallel relation to each other from each end of each of said bars;

a strut member connecting the end of each of said arms at each side of said frame;

said strut members being adapted to be brought into proximity to each other when said arms are bent into a base for said are; and

means for locking said strut members together. 

1. A device for the assembly of artificial ski runs comprising a flexible element having: an upwardly extending member in the form of an arc; base members extending inwardly toward each other from each end of said arc; a strut member extending angularly from each base member substantially in the plane of said base member; said strut members being substantially parallel to and in proximity to each other; and means for locking said strut members together.
 2. A device according to claim 1, in which said upwardly extending member has a series of protuberances formed along the uppermost portion of its length.
 3. A device according to claim 2, in which said protuberances are substantially in the form of balls.
 4. A device according to claim 2, in which said protuberances are spaced from one another.
 5. A device according to claim 1, in which at least one of said strut members has means for engaging and locking the adjacent strut member.
 6. A device according to claim 5, in which said engaging and locking means comprises a hook.
 7. A device according to claim 1, in which said upwardly extending arc member has means disposed on opposite ends of said arc for engaging an adjacent element when assembled therewith to form a ski track.
 8. A device according to claim 7, in which said means comprises an eye on each element aligned for the reception of a fastener when assembled.
 9. A device according to claim 1, in which said upwardly extending arcuate member and said base members are joined by a gusset at their juncture.
 10. An artificial ski track comprising a series of interlocked flexible elements, each element comprising: an upwardly extending arcuate member; a base member joined to each end of said arcuate portion; said base members extending upwardly of said arc and towards each other; a strut member extending angularly outwardly of said arc and substantially in the plane of said base members; said strut members lying substantially parallel and in proximity to each other; and means for locking said strut Members to one another; said elements being arranged in rows with the elements in one row staggered with relation to the elements of each adjacent row, the element of each row being locked to the adjacent element in said row, with the arcuate portion of the element of one row overlapping portions of the two adjacent elements of the adjacent row, and the strut members of each element of each row lying parallel to the strut members of each element of the next row.
 11. An artificial ski track according to claim 10, in which the adjacent elements of each row have means for securing them together.
 12. An artificial ski track according to claim 10, in which the upper portion of the arc of each element is provided with protuberances,
 13. An artificial ski track according to claim 12, in which said protuberances comprise balls.
 14. An artificial ski track structure comprising a row of interlocked flexible elements: each element comprising an upwardly extending arcuate portion; a base member for each end of said arcuate portion; said base members extending inwardly of said arcuate portion and towards each other; a common strut member joining the ends of each base member and extending angularly outwardly of said arc and substantially in the plane of said base members; said strut members lying substantially parallel to one another; and interlocking means on said strut members for locking them together.
 15. A track structure according to claim 14, in which said arcuate member is provided with protuberances at the uppermost portion of the arc.
 16. A track structure according to claim 14, in which the uppermost portions of the arcs are connected together.
 17. A track structure according to claim 15, in which said protuberances are each provided with oppositely which extending, obliquely arranged spurs.
 18. An artificial ski track comprising staggered rows of interlocked flexible elements according to claim 14: the elements of each row being staggered and offset with respect to the elements of each adjacent row; the arcuate members of each row having protuberances on the uppermost portions of each arc; the endmost of said protuberances each having oppositely extending, obliquely arranged spurs; the spurs of the adjacent rows of each element extending towards each other to form a separable snap fastening element; and an adjacent portion of the arcuate member of an adjacent staggered row being snapped between said spurs to lock them together.
 19. A device for the assembly of artificial ski runs comprising: a flexible frame element having at least one longitudinal member adapted to be bent into the form of an arc; a base member extending angularly from each end of said longitudinal member, said base members being substantially parallel to each other and adapted to be bent towards each other to form a base for said arc; a strut member extending angularly outwardly from the end of each base member in substantially parallel relation to each other, and connecting the base members at each end of said frame; said strut members being brought into proximity to each other when said base members are bent into position with respect to said arc; and means to lock said strut members together.
 20. A device according to claim 19 in which said longitudinal member has protuberances formed on the central portion thereof.
 21. A device for the assembly of artificial ski runs comprising: a flexible gridlike frame element having a series of parallel tracks forming bars adapted to be bent into the form of an arc; an arm extending angularly and in parallel relation to each other from each end of each of said bars; a strut member connecting the end of each of said arms at each side of said frame; said strut members being adapted to be brought into proximity to each other when said arms are bent into a base for said arc; and means for locking said strut members together. 